CONTENTS

Word from the Pastor - Rev. Isaac Johnson 3

A Cry for a Friend - in a lonely world - Usha George 5

Health Hazards of Air Pollution - Rajini Kantha Narendranath 7

Answers to Bible Quiz No. 90

Bible Quiz No.90 - Usha George 8

Kirk Project Carnival – 2018 – An Amazing God at Work! 9

John’s Corner - John H. Bala Singh 10

Our experience with the Truth - KYF Youth Sunday Report - Adarsh Jacob 11

Purpose of Life - Part 12 - M M Narendranath 13

Bible Quiz No. 91 - Usha George 15

Selflessness Versus Selfishness - Snehalatha Bright 16

Kirk News 17

Front cover:“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is

faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

Editor : Mrs. R. Chandy

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WORD FROM THE PASTOR

Only when our greatest love is God, a love that we cannot lose even indeath, can we face all things with peace. Grief was not to be eliminatedbut seasoned and buoyed up with love and hope. - John Piper

Anyone can talk about life, its challenges and their solutions. But noone can assure of a certain glorious end and at the end of all problems.What good will it do to have a life of pleasures, joy and elation if thereis no guarantee of lasting happiness beyond the grave. Some of youmight have heard me quote the song sung by Mark Lowry called, ‘FirstClass, Wrong Flight’. It’s a small song that carries a very valuablelesson about how one needs to know of the destination. How horribleit will be for anyone to travel first class/business class and end up inthe wrong destination.

The words of Jesus, as recorded in John 10:10, are “I have come thatthey may life and life abundantly”. The same Jesus when He was hangingon the cross said “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit”. (Luke23:46). Jesus was sure about death because He knew what will comethereafter.

I hope in God because:

1. He is my Creator, Designer and Master

Psalm 139:14 says ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made’. In all detailsin my life, for what He has given and what He has withheld individuallyin each of our lives, there is a purpose. When we realise that He is thegrand architect and I know that He is smarter, stronger and safer totrust, I put my life in His hands.

2. He is Sovereign even in the face of death

Psalm 23:4 reads, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadowof death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staffthey comfort me’. I spoke on this verse on August 1st in our morningCommunion service. I was particularly encouraged by the fact that

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God is with me. He is not a God who gives me tools and talents to liveand leave me on my own. He is God with me; my Emmanuel, JehovahShammah (Ezekiel 48:35). My greatest pillar of hope is not the promiseof God or the provision of God. My greatest point of hope and courageis the Presence of God.

3. He works on my eternity in my present

In July, we heard tragic news of the passing away of our loved ones inthe church. It is heart wrenching when you hear of them. But the Biblesays that in Christ, there is hope even in the face of death. Proverbs14:32 says, ‘…even in death, the righteous seek refuge in God.’ 1Thessalonians 4:12 reads, ‘Brethren, we do not want you to be ignorantlike others and grieve like those who don’t have any hope’. If Jesusdied and He did, if Jesus rose from the dead and He did, then we toohaving a living hope. It is not only that we will have eternal life inheaven, we will be like Jesus and with Jesus. Therefore, even death isnot a worst-case scenario.

If one can entrust the design and construction of the house, what’s theworst that can happen. The loss can be of counted in terms of money.If one entrusts his health decisions to the wisdom of medical expertsand things take a turn for the worse, the loss is counted in terms ofhealth challenges. But when one entrusts his eternal soul to the wisdomof the world, there is an eternal consequence. No one who put theirhope in the Lord will ever be put to shame. (Psalm 25:3) Trust in theLord and don’t despair for He is a friend so true. No matter what thetroubles are, Jesus will see you through.

Have a blessed month of walking with Christ and walking for Christ.

Rev. Isaac Johnson

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A Cry for a Friend – in a lonely world

“Two are better than one, because they have a goodreturn for their work: If one falls down, his friend canhelp him up....” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.

All of us need to know that we are loved, needed and accepted. OurCreator has designed us in such a way that it is important for us tohave emotional, mental, physical and spiritual support. We need friendsat all times to stand ‘side by side, face to face, and back to back tobeat the enemy’.

The skit presented by KYF on Youth Sunday unravelled a crazy worldsearching for sense and meaning, found only in a personal relationshipwith our Lord Jesus. The skit revealed moments of true, selflessfriendship when in a desperate and tense examination situation, anequally stressed out student willingly helps to clarify his friend’s doubts.We learn afresh that two acting together are better than a self-centredindividual. The skit was revealing and a good lesson for all of us. Mayour Youth motivate each other to reap a rich harvest for the Lord.

Friendship needs to be based on Biblical principles. David and Jonathanspring to mind. Here is a classic example of a friendship with hardly aparallel in scripture or human history. Jonathan, a prince, heir to throneof Israel and David, a lowly shepherd boy from Bethlehem. Jonathanviewed David without a cloud of envy and recognised in him the capacityto reign as a great king. There is absolute nobility in this friendship.

When apostle Paul was locked in a damp Roman dungeon his heartwas greatly warmed by the friendship and visits of Onesiphorus. “Heoften refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains” 2 Tim.1:16.

We as human beings have the same needs and longings, hopes anddespairs. Jesus made the boundaries of love and friendship so widethat they included all men. Nearly every day we meet people whoface harsh and grating problems. In the Spirit of Jesus let us try andlubricate their lives. Just a word of encouragement, a small act ofcaring, could restore their hope.

At the final Passover celebration, Jesus did the unthinkable. Their

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Messiah and Friend washed their dirty and dusty feet, the most menialhousehold task. This is “Calvary love” which we can never, ever fathom.But with Jesus we will enjoy a dvine three-fold bond in all ourfriendships.

Filled with the Holy Spirit of God may we be able to bestow on all ourfriendships the “crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy insteadof mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”Isaiah 61:3.

Let us paddle our lifeboat toward this enduring gift of friendship.

Usha George

If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak pointsin contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopta superior attitude, forgetting “who made thee to differ? and whathast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvarylove.”

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any wayslight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothingof Calvary love.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind work, think an unkindthought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, in dealing with one who does not respond, I weary of the strain,and slip from under the burden, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can hurt another by speaking faithfully without much preparationof spirit, and without hurting myself far more than I hurt that other,then I know nothing of Calvary love.

“If I am afraid to speak the truth lest I lose affection, or lest the oneconcerned should say, “You do not understand”, or because I fear tolose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name beforethe other’s highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

Excerpts from ‘IF’ by Amy Carmichael

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Medical Corner

Health Hazards of Air Pollution“Doctors treat, but Jesus heals”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 2.4 million peopledie each year from causes directly related to air pollution. This includesboth outdoor and indoor air pollution.

Main causes of air pollution

Emissions from different transport modes, the burning of fossil fuels,industrial production, forest fires, aerosol use and radiation, are someof the main causes of air pollution. Such sources of emissions liberategases and substances that are toxic for human beings.

Fine air particles can accumulate in the lungs

We can divide pollutants into two types:

1. Gas pollutants (e.g. carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, etc.) and

2. Particles in the air

Broadly speaking, gas pollutants can be detrimental to our health asthey take part in gas exchange during each breath we take. However,they are not retained in the body and are excreted. Particles in the airare another story. While the bigger particles are filtered by therespiratory tract, the finer particles are deposited in our lungs andmay build up over a prolonged period. Such prolonged exposure topollution can lead to the onset of chronic lung diseases.

Respiratory system disorders are directly related to air pollution.These disorders have severe effects on human health, some leadingto death. Air pollution related respiratory disorders include asthma,bronchitis, and emphysema. Asthma is a respiratory disordercharacterized by wheezing, coughing, and a feeling of constriction inthe chest. Bronchitis is inflammation of the membrane lining of thebronchial tubes of the lungs. Emphysema is a deadly lung diseasecharacterized by abnormal enlargement of air spaces in the lungs anddestruction of the lung tissue. Air pollutants can cause an increase incancer including lung cancer, eye problems, and respiratory allergies.Air pollution can lead to heart disease, including heart attack andstroke. Smog is a low-hanging, fog-like cloud that seems to neverleave the city. Smog is caused by coal burning and by ozone producedby motor vehicle exhaust. Smog can cause eye irritation and respiratoryproblems.

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Ways to protect yourself

There are steps you can take to decrease your exposure to indoor airpollution, such as having carbon monoxide detectors in your homeand keeping your home as clean as possible from pet dander, dust,dust mites, and mold. In many cities around the world, the air qualityis so poor that people are often told to stay indoors when possible.Lowering exposure to air pollutants with a face mask which can catchthe smallest particles is especially important for people with existingheart or lung conditions. Look for filters that contain an electro-staticcharge, which can trap fine dust and particles below 0.3 microns. Asfor inside your home, using an air conditioner may help remove airpollutants. Stand-alone HEPA air cleaners can also be considered.The best ones are those equipped with True HEPA filters, which cancapture high proportions of very small particles.

Dr. Rajini Kantha

Answers to Bible Quiz No. 90 (July 2018)The answers are :1. Eagles - Isaiah 40 : 312. Ravens - 1 Kings 17 : 43. Sparrow - swallow - Psalm 84 : 34. Hawk - Job 39 : 265. Vulture / Fowl - Job 28 : 76. Pelican - owl - Psalm 102 : 87. Stork - Jeremiah 8 : 78. Peacock - ostrich - Job 29 : 139. Cormorant - bittern - Zephaniah 2 : 1410. Crane - swallow - dove - Isaiah 38 : 14

The winners are:Mr. Jayapal .KMr. I. Abraham

Mrs. Indira RajanayakamMs. Minnie Devadoss

Mrs. Peace Rani SudhakarMrs. Snehalatha Bright

Mrs. Victoria Basker

Hearty congratulations!Usha George

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St. Andrews Kirk Project Carnival –2018 – An Amazing God at Work!

The Projects Carnival of St. Andrews Kirk was held on 8th July in aid ofits outreach missions. The event was prayerfully planned, put-togetherand well-attended by the abounding grace of God. It was an incredibleopportunity to witness God’s power at work in our midst. The manyanswered prayers that covered even the minutest of details testify toGod’s goodness and faithfulness. We praise and thank God for theblessing of favorable weather, good participation, safety and protectionof all in the campus and much more that happened throughout theevent.

Pastor Isaac Johnson declared open the ‘Project Carnival Sale’ withprayer at 10.30 am after the 9.00 Worship Service. Many visitorsfrom other churches participated in the sale that was held for over 3hours till lunch time. It served as a great opportunity to fellowshipleisurely with family and friends over a delectable spread of goodies,games, delicious flavorsome takeaway biriyani and interesting gift-items that were made available at the stalls. The support, involvement,eager participation and creative sale-items of all stall holderscontributed largely to the fun-fellowship environment.

The Carnival saw the coming-together of representatives/volunteersfrom all age-groups within the congregation, who coordinated to offertheir time and resources, all for the cause of missions. The resourcesrallied in by enthusiastic volunteers of Men’s Fellowship, culinaryexperts of Women’s Fellowship, budding musicians of Sunday schooland helpful KYF members need special mention here for it made thisevent both enjoyable and purposeful. Colet Selwyn’s incredible bassnumber thrilled the audience, while Elvis enriched the event with hisgospel country music & personal testimony.

The event that began well with great excitement and expectationconcluded with much praises and thanks to God. All participants ofthe Carnival’s planning, preparation and implementation teamwitnessed God’s faithfulness proven over and over again throughout

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with every need being met superabundantly. The 2018 Project Carnival,from beginning to its conclusion was a testimony to God’s amazingwork in our midst that just humbles us and causes us to break forthwith praises as in the words of Apostle Paul declaring:

‘now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask orimagine according to His power that is at work in us, to him be gloryin the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, foreverand ever! Amen.” (Eph.3:20-21).

John’s Corner

Looking Beyond Disability(Read 2 Cor. 12 : 9, 10)Aug. 12th is Asha Sunday

‘What have I done that I should beCursed with a disability?’So questioned I the Lord with grief,But found no answer or relief.

In deep distress I chanced to seeA child limp singing cheerfully.What was his song I tried to hear,As smiling he to me drew near.

‘Thanks, Lord,’ he sang, ‘that I can seeThe beauty of the flowers and trees;And since I can’t walk fast, You know,I can admire them all the more.

‘Thank You that I can hear the lark,The cattle call, the puppies bark;They seem to glorify Your name,Should I murmur, Lord, what a shame!’

As he passed by I wept and thought,To be like that lame boy I ought,Thanking You, Lord, for all You’ve done,And not complain when trials come.

John H. Bala singh

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What is your idea of perfection? That was the question that initiatedthe discussion on ideas for the skit. We had received from the Lordthe theme verse for conveying His message – ‘I am the Way, the truthand the Life’. Perfection – the word lingered in our minds. How doesthe world view perfection? What should be a Christian’s view onperfection and how do we correlate it with the idea of truth? And notjust any truth but The Truth- a bold statement for any man to utter,had He not also been Truth personified. How could we explain Pilateasking to The Truth standing before him, ‘What is truth?’ and turningaway from The Answer? God had given us the wisdom to convey thismessage through our own personal situations in schools, collegesand workplace.

We figured as we are led, to just tell it as a personal experience, anda testimony of what God has done in our lives, whether standing upfor the truth, hardships faced for it or the ever reassuring faithfulnessof Truth himself. And so started our ‘sharing’ so to speak. “Whathardships did you face for standing up for God? Do you rememberwhen you gave your life to Christ? What moved you to do so? Howdoes the world view perfection? What does the bible tell us aboutexcellence?” Sharing turned into conversations, conversations intodialogues on paper, and dialogues into a full narrative that is the skit.The script began to take form, and with more and more polishing, itbecame clear what God intended to speak through us.

Through our narrative (both figurative and literal), we had learnt manythings sitting at the feet of Our Lord. On working diligently and beingdisciplined, not just working but giving our best, for the Lord asks thatof us. Prudence, discernment and wisdom became familiar terms.Most importantly we learnt not to be blinded by the world’s ideals ofexcellence, disregarding values for the sake of pursuit of wealth andmaterial possessions, but seeking first the Kingdom of God and His

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Our experience with TheTruth – KYF Youth Sunday

Report

righteousness! For only in Christ is found true purpose and peace,and rest for the weary soul, a thirst the world can never quench. Andthat is the truth! And above all, recognize the gift of Grace, throughChrist’s work on the Cross, not by our works that any man can boast.We just ought to be faithful stewards.

Sharing on a personal note my experience with Truth (yes, referenceused intentionally), one day while doing the final editing, this questiondawned on me, ‘Am I just a hearer of the Word, or a doer?’ God’sspoken word was exposing the nature of my own heart! ‘Lord howcan I speak your Word when I can’t make a resolution to wholly followyou, no turning back?’ The Lord was convicting “You have chosen Myway, received My life which I give freely, won’t you accept Me as thetruth in ALL areas of your life and not just some? Speaking on My wayof excellence, are you conforming to society’s ways? Are you doubtingthe life you have in me?” And then on our very own Youth Sunday, Iheard it through the lyrics of Amazing Grace. I never thought I wouldshare this with you the readers, but such is the power of The Truth.“T’was grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead mehome.” Well it can’t be Lord’, I said, ‘maybe not for what I am goingthrough’, and then again, and again, the truth spoke to me during theservice, until finally, as if in climax the Lord spoke through our ownyouth member (an impromptu for himself) uttering the words “Faithcan move mountains” & Ebenezer- thus far the Lord has helped us (1Sam 7:12). “You got me Lord!! How can I remain in this unbelief? Youhave searched the inmost depths of my heart and I can no longer putoff your promises!” Standing before Truth himself, much like Jacobwrestling God (coincidentally even my name is Jacob :p) our barenaked selves are exposed, and if we confess our sins, He is graciousto forgive us, and much like Jacob he will bless us and make us achannel of His blessing.

So dear readers with this I encourage you, having been crucified withChrist, and not us but the Truth living in us, can we let Him examineour inmost beings? For The Word is living, breathing and active, itexamines every heart and searches our inmost being. Then we canbe transformed more into His ever increasing likeness.

Adarsh JacobKYF

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Purpose of life - part 12The type of questions one should ask.

Open ended question – Part 1

In our earlier write-ups, in Part 9 we saw that our GOD, beingomniscient, would know the end from the beginning and therefore Hewould not have ventured into the whole creation without a plan. InPart 10 we dealt with some of the basic questions that one should askand in part 11 we saw what could happen if one does not ask questions.

In this part we shall discuss about the type of questions one shouldask. Usually teachers “deliver’” material from the textbooks and ask afew close - ended questions to ensure that the students are listeningand that they get right answers. Rarely do we see teachers askingopen - ended questions that actually stimulate thinking. Likequestions that start with “Why & What?”

Sometime ago I read in the “The Hindu” dated 14th May 2018 anarticle by Ms.Maya Thiagarajan on the topic strangely titled “ Rule #1: No thinking allowed” as how our educational system seems tobe pushing teachers and students to forget about thinking and focusonly on rote learning from a text book and not meaningful learning.The author had written that when she visited a school she happenedto observe a Biology teacher teaching about human waste and shetaught that sweat, urine and faeces were the three wastes. Whenone student, who pondered on the subject, asked if vomit would alsocome under the same category, the teacher seems to have brushedaside the question and said that only three types of waste are thereas per the text books as she had already explained. We too do notthink and ask such open ended questions like “Why & What?“on what God had revealed in the scriptures.

In this part let us ask the open ended question “Why” to understandGod’s intentions in creation.

Earth is a transient place and not a permanent abode.

Scripture begins with:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen 1:1

We find the heavens were created for earth and the earth was createdfor man as an abode for Adam and his race. Usually one would keepthe newborn child with him at his home. Heaven is God’s dwellingplace and earth is His foot stool.

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This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth ismy footstool. Isa 66:1

Why God did not create Adam in heaven and keep him there, Hisdwelling place, but created him on earth, His foot stool?

It is true God blessed mankind to increase in numbers.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number;fill the earth and subdue it. Gen 1:28

But earth having a specific area that cannot be expanded, comparedto heaven which is not bound by space, could not have accommodatedall mankind from Adam’s time till date unless they physically passedout and gave room to the subsequent generations. So, we can inferthat earth was never intended to be a permanent abode ordestination for mankind but only a transit place or a stop gaparrangement similar to the cultivation of paddy. The farmer initiallysprinkles the seeds randomly where the seeds fall and die but growinto tender shoots/plants which he later transplants to another placewhere they ultimately yield their fruits.

Similarly God would have prepared earth as a place for initialcultivation, for training, of mankind and the real assignment (rulership) would be given in eternity after due teaching and training hereon earth to become disciples.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, andteaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matt 28:19-20.

From the above passage we find God wanting “Man” to become hisdisciple through learning to obey all that he had commanded.Only on earth God can teach and train and not in heaven whereeverything is complete and perfect. And from the passage below wefind that God would make such learners (Overcomers) to sit withHim in His throne to rule over.

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me onmy throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on histhrone. Rev 3:21-2

Jacob and Peter too had realized that they were strangers here onearth and treated their journey as a pilgrimage.

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And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are ahundred and thirty.” Gen 47:9

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially,live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:17-18.

As we proceed we will ponder on more “Why?” questions tounderstand God’s hidden plan for mankind but revealed progressivelyin the scriptures.

To continueM M Narendranath

Bible Quiz No. 91 - August, 2018

A Horticulturalist’s Quiz

Based on King James Version.

Give only 1 reference.

1. There are only two gardens in the Bible. What are they?

2. Which are the two most famous groups of trees mentioned inthe Bible?

3. When Jesus said we “are the branches” to what did He likenHimself?

4. In which Old Testament is he called ‘The Branch”?

5. What did a man ‘cast into his garden’ which grew and “waxed agreat tree”?

6. In one of the parables, what did one man wish to do, becausehe had so much produce he didn’t know what to do with it?

7. What was “uncircumcised fruit”?

8. According to Jesus, how is a tree known?

9. Of what was the baby Moses’ ark made of; and among whatplants was it hidden?

10. Among Paul’s wise statements is this: “I have planted, Apolloswatered but_______” finish this.

Kindly send your answers to the church office by 19th August 2018.

Usha George

?

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SELFLESSNESS VERSUS SELFISHNESS(based on the family of Isaac and Rebekah)

The selfless services of the oldest servantof Abraham the selfless prayers of the servant leading him with divine guidance

to find a suitable bride for Isaac the selfless hospitality of Rebekah in quenching the thirst of the

stranger and his camels the selfless compliance of Laban and Bethuel in sending Rebekah

with a stranger the selfless obedience of Rebekah to the Lord’s Word in marrying

Isaac the selfless acceptance of Isaac taking Rebekah’s hand in marriage

before he had seen her beauty and the selfless, direct inquiries of Rebekah to the Lord, when she had

the discomfort during her pregnancy made a perfect and profound,romantic and divine love story of Isaac and Rebekah.

But ........ the selfishness of swearing and selling the birthright of Esau to

Jacob for a mouthful of food, the selfishness of Esau in marrying the daughters of Hittites and

grieving the minds of his parents, the selfishness of Rebekah in deceiving the blind, old father to

grant Jacob the blessings of his birthright, the selfishness of Jacob’s deceptive disguise in order to possess

Esau’s birthright and, the selfishness of Rebekah’s favouritism in bringing the enmity to

the sons and separating them made the family extorted anddistorted.

In the midst of the mixed feelings,GOD’S WORD LIVES!

And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shallbe separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall bestronger than the other people; and the elder shall servethe younger. - Genesis 25:23 KJV

(Please see Genesis 24, 25 & 27)

Snehalatha Bright16

Kirk News

Guest Speakers

1st July, 6pm Mrs. Meera Ninan, our member, spoke on Form-fittedMercies from Lamentations 3:19-40 at the Healingservice.

8th July, 6pm Mr. M.M. Narendranath, Elder, spoke on “Naaman theSyrian - The Chosen” from 2 Kings 5:1-27, Luke 4:27.

15 July, 7am Mr. Joshua Mascreen spoke on “Pressing on towardsthe Goal - Christ Likeness” from Philippians 3:7-14.

He also gave the message at the 9am Youth Sundayservice based on John 14:6 and Philippians 4:4-9.

22nd July, 6pm Mr. Thomas George spoke on “How then should welive?” from 1 Peter 4:7-11 at the Youth & Koinoniaservice.

Monday Bible Study Rev.Isaac continued with the study of Ezekiel.

Friendship Club for elderly brothers and sisters met on Tuesday 3rd

July. Please pray for God’s guidance, comfort and strength for theparticipants in this ministry.

Evangelism and Missions Movement’s Fasting and Prayer meton Thursdays with prayers for the church,evangelists, outreach areasand national issues. Please join us between 10.30am and 1.30pm onThursdays as we petition the Lord with the day-to-day needs of thechurch.

Friday Prayer Rev.Isaac continued leading the prayer group withthe study of Proverbs.

House Church was held on Fridays in the homes of Mr. J. RameshLesley & Mrs. Anitha Lesley (6th July), Mr. & Mrs. Jebasingh Jothi (13th

July), Mr. Sudir Paul Karunakaran & Mrs. Ann Sudir (20th July) and Mr.& Mrs. B. Christ Das (27th July).

District Meeting District 5 met on 1st July in the SACCE hall for atime of Bible Study and Fellowship. District 1 met on 14th July in thehome of Mr. & Mrs. Dalton and Valerie Eddy.

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We thank the members for opening their homes in Christian love andfellowship.

Sunday school retreat was held at Joe Beach Resorts on Sunday,15th July. Classes were held on 22nd and 29th July.

Kirk Youth Fellowship met for prayer and fellowship on 1st July. KYFparticipated in the Projects Carnival 2018 on the 8th with a stall and byvolunteering. The Youth Sunday service was held at 9am on 15th Julyon the theme “One Way, Jesus”. The Youth led the service with praise& worship, choreography, skit and special songs (Please see the articlein this issue). Catalyst Youth Worship Service was held on 22nd July.KYF conducted the service at Tirupalaivanam on the 29th. (ContactKYF: Suman – 9840326078, Judith – 9884555573)

The annual Youth camp will be held at UESI Highfield Campsite, Kotagirifrom 21st Sep. to 23rd Sep. 2018. All youth are invited! Pleaseregister at the special desk outside the church. Or call Suman (9840326078) or Judith (98845 55573).

The Kirk Men’s Fellowship met on 22nd July. Rev.Isaac Johnson spokeon the role of believing men as members of the Kirk: “What does ‘Weare the church’ mean in terms of practical action in a fellowship?”

Kirk Women’s Fellowship held an on-campus Retreat on Saturday,21st July in the SACCE hall. Mrs. Meghala Ratnaiya was the resourceperson.

Monthly Night Prayer was held in the manse on Friday, 27th July,focussing on Isaiah 43.18-19.

Projects Carnival We thank and praise the Lord for His abundantblessings on the entire event and the wholehearted participation ofworshippers! The net income was around Rs.22nd lakhs.

Attn: Book lovers! RMDCC will be hosting a general sale of booksafter the 9AM service on 12th August. If you have books that youdon’t mind giving away, we thank you for your generosity! (Pleasegive the books at RMDCC/Church office.) Everyone is invited toparticipate with your family and friends. You may find a book you likeor need!

An evangelical evening in Hindi will be held on the Church groundsat 6 pm on Independence Day (15th Aug ’18), organised by the KirkHindi Fellowship. It will focus on reaching Hindi speaking non-Christianswith the Gospel through songs, dance and skits. An opportunity awaits

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us to touch our nation itself by reaching out to the North Indians ofour city from different states of our country. Prayerfully, let us joinhands in inviting our Hindi speaking friends, neighbours and colleagues.

Bible Quiz Competition This year, the Quiz Competition features theBook of 2 Samuel! It will be held on Sunday, 7th October after the9AM service in 2 categories: School students (classes 1–12) can takethe quiz on Chapters 1 to 10; College students and adults can take thequiz on the whole Book. Please give your names in the church office.

New missionary-couple for Karanodai project By the Grace ofGod, the Hindi ministry has progressed well in Karanodai. Many localHindi-speaking people have taken a liking towards the film ministry inparticular. In line with the Church’s vision of expanding ministry in thearea, we need a dedicated Hindi-speaking missionary couple who canlive and minister in Karanodai. We request the congregation to let theChurch office know (044-25612608) if any suitable candidates areavailable.

OBITUARIES

Mr. A.N. Kumar Raj, our member, passed away on Wednesday, 25thJuly 2018 in Nagercoil, aged 67 years. The funeral was held at CSIHome Church on 26th July.

Dr. (Mrs.) Rajeswari Rowlands, our member, passed away onFriday, 27th July, 2018 aged 93 years. The funeral was held on 29th

July in the Church followed by burial in Kilpauk Cemetery.

We convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

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